Exhibition explores world of Winnie-the-Pooh

Stuffed bears like those owned by the sons of A.A. Milne and E.H. Shepard, the author and illustrator of the Winnie-the-Pooh books, are displayed at Atlanta's High Museum of Art. Associated Press/Kate Brumback

ATLANTA — A new exhibition in Atlanta celebrates Winnie-the-Pooh, wandering through his magical world and giving visitors a peek behind the scenes at the people, relationships and inspirations behind the “silly old bear” and his friends.

“Winnie-the-Pooh: Exploring a Classic” opens Sunday at the High Museum of Art.

The exhibition highlights the intensely collaborative relationship between author A.A. Milne and illustrator E.H. Shepard, who brought the stories to life, and guides museum visitors through those tales and their lessons.

Milne was inspired by his young son’s stuffed toys to create stories about a boy named Christopher Robin – his son’s first and middle names – and his beloved Winnie-the-Pooh, also known as Pooh Bear.

The bear and his plush friends come to life on the page just as they do in the imagination of a child, animated by witty prose and playful drawings.

In a room hung with pale blue and white striped wallpaper to evoke a nursery, a faux window looks out on the imaginary world created by Milne and Shepard as the only known recording of Milne reading from the “Winnie-the-Pooh” book of stories plays in the background.

A glass case houses replicas of the toys that inspired the characters.

Here at MaineToday Media we value our readers and are committed to growing our community by encouraging you to add to the discussion.

To ensure conscientious dialogue we have implemented a strict no-bullying policy. To participate, you must follow our Terms of Use. Click here to flag and report a comment that violates our terms of use.